Atlus USA States That It's Currently "Unaffected" by Issues With Japanese Parent Company

Yesterday we reported that the parent company of developer/publisher Atlus, Index, was in the midst of financial difficulties in Japan and had entered "civil rehabilitation proceedings". Some have compared this to bankruptcy, though the law in Japan means that it's not an exact match, with the general idea being that the company is in a process of trying to resolve its problems with investors and will, if necessary, see management changes that are appointed by the courts.

It's not just about Atlus in Japan, of course, as subsidiary Atlus USA is active in distributing and publishing various games in North America, while also partnering with those such as NIS America to bring some releases to Europe and PAL regions. With speculation surrounding the parent company in Japan, the USA branch has released the following statement to Kotaku to reassure its fans.

Currently, Index Digital Media, Inc. and the ATLUS brand are unaffected by the Index Corporation proceedings in Japan. We’re carrying on day-to-day activities, business as usual. Shin Megami Tensei IV and Dragon’s Crown are still releasing on July 16 and August 6 respectively, and we’re licensing and publishing third-party titles such as R.I.P.D: The Game and Daylight. We want to thank all of our fans for their outpouring of support.

That's good news at this stage for those anticipating the upcoming arrival of Shin Megami Tensei IV on 16th July. We'll keep you posted with any important developments.

Welsh ex-pat Tom is responsible for the day-to-day running of the site. He's the guy to thank for the generally brilliant nature of the content which massages your eyeballs on a daily basis. Also has an unhealthy obsession with all things Bowser.

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User Comments (24)

I dont care if its Nintendo or someone else (as long as it is a japanese company), Atlus defenitly needs to be saved. Like i said before, they are one of the few developers, who design games that are anything but targeted for the mass market.

Eww no. Honestly I mostly want to see Microsoft buy them just for the meltdowns, but no console Holder should own Atlus and the only one likely to do so is Microsoft at this point.

-Sony has been shuttering studios recently. Plus Yoshida already publicly commented on it. -Nintendo just really isn't the aquire happy type and they have the most to lose and gain.-Microsoft founded a Japanese studio and they could see this as a way to expand the Osaka efforts.

Persona 5 will most likely be a 3DS exclusive at this point. That's where it would realistically sell the best in Japan. 3DS has already outsold PS3 in Japan in the 2 years it's been available. 3DS is currently thriving over there; meanwhile, PS3 is on the way out, and not likely to sell many more units in Japan.

@Humphries90 Funny, cause Sony Fanboys are saying the same thing. As long as a known Jap game developer company acquires Atlus, Then there's no problem, Just not Microsoft. And the Development studio does not change. Still waiting in great anticipation for SMTIV.

@element187 For Persona 5, I'd honestly prefer it on Wii U... I read in an old Nintendo Power that there was a "Persona 3D" in the works for 3DS, but it would not Surprise me if it was Persona 3 FES in 3D... Which, honestly, I would not mind one bit! I cannot wait for July 16th! I have waited years for SMTIV, and I cannot believe how close it is!

Nintendo needs to buy Atlus.. sorry.. I remember one of the few RPG's on N64 was Ogre Battle 64.. and frankly.. if you really love hardcore strategy RPG's then that is still in your top ten.. if you did not play it.. shame on you.. plus as a result of Nintendo supporting the company we got Tactics Ogre Knight of Lodus... and if Nintendo would buy them.. they would have a great RPG house that could do a Super Mario RPG 2.. plus the Persona Series.. would be wonderful on both the WiiU and 3DS... Honestly at this point if you want to see JRPG's it needs to be with Nintendo.. because Microsoft will never give them a chance with Person or Shin Megami Tensei.. (MS themselves have said repeatedly.. JRPG's don't sell.. ) and Sony would be a okay option.. but Nintendo needs them more..